County&#039;s vehicle theft rate decreased in 2009

Auto thefts dropped 30 percent last year in San Diego County, dovetailing with an overall statewide decline, according to statistics released Wednesday.

Slightly more than 15,300 cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles and motorcycles were stolen countywide in 2009, compared to 21,863 the year before, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The statewide total was 169,058 in 2009, compared to 199,766 in 2008 - a 15.4 percent dip.

"Vehicle theft prevention efforts by law enforcement agencies and the public are paying off," said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. "Since 2005, California has realized a 35 percent reduction in stolen vehicles."